Manchester City manager Pep Guardiola is hopeful Erling Haaland will be able to return for their next Premier League game against Tottenham Hotspur on Wednesday night, Afrosport reports.
The Norwegian striker has missed City’s last two competitive games after suffering a knee injury in the 4-0 win over Newcastle United.
In the absence of Haaland, Egypt forward and new signing Omar Marmoush took his place but the Citizens failed to beat Real Madrid and Liverpool in the UEFA Champions League and Premier League respectively, losing 3-1 and 2-0 respectively.
Speaking after the defeat to Liverpool at the Etihad, Guardiola sid: “[It was] a moment in Newcastle he made an action that moved his knee,” Guardiola said.
“Apparently it’s not dangerous because all examinations say it’s fine but he didn’t feel fine.
“I have a feeling it will be soon [when he is back] because [on Saturday] he trained and made some really good movements.
“But he said to us that he’s not ready and I have to respect that. Hopefully with Spurs and in the next games he can help us.”
Reacting to the defeat to Liverpool, Guardiola stated his team were impressive despite recording their eighth league loss of the season.
“It’s not enough, but I recognise my team in the last two games in Premier Leagues,” he added.
“Newcastle and Liverpool we were brilliant in both. Madrid was not good enough over two games to go through, but today, the rhythm, pressing and solidarity from most of them playing in difficult positions… I approve of it, and it was really good.
“Analysing the game, [we were] really good. We lost so there’s not much to say.
“How many times we arrive to the by-line is a dream, but then with the next thing after that we struggled and in the final third, we didn’t create much. It’s not easy.
“…Both our wingers were exceptional. All of the team are young players except Kevin and Nathan.
“So, so young team that are the future of this club. They face a team that could maybe win the Premier League, and we behave really, really good. It was a tight game [with] actions from set pieces.
“We miss just in the final third to be more creative. We didn’t create enough to score goals for the amount of times we were there.”
20 – Manchester City now trail Liverpool by 20 points – the most they have been behind the league leaders at the end of a day since July 14th 2020, when they last failed to win the title and Liverpool last won it themselves. Throwback. pic.twitter.com/UYpA1zQeir
— OptaJoe (@OptaJoe) February 23, 2025
Man City remain fourth in the Premier League table, tied on 44 points with fifth-placed Newcastle and 20 points behind leaders Liverpool.
